Obituary of Mary Louise Darling

"I would like my granddaughter to understand even though life gives us unexpected traumas, it is okay if we take our time to muddle through. This little charm is my constant reminder: there is light at the end of our darkest tunnels, and life will continue to surprise us." -The Charm Stories by Mary Darling

It gives me great sadness to announce the passing of Mary Louise Darling, Senior on the evening of March the 23rd, 2021 in Nogales, Arizona. Prior to settling in Arizona, Mary not only lived in multiple states such as Illinois, Wisconsin, Texas, and New Mexico, but she traveled the world and worked as a professor in Germany after receiving her MBA from Webster University in St. Louis, MO. Mary raised four children who inherited her thirst for knowledge and adventurous spirit, and these traits have been passed down to her seven grandchildren as well. (It's clear I also acquired her pertinacity and predilection for having dessert before dinner.)

Mary was an award winning author who remained active in literacy outreach programs, writing circles, English language programs, and projects both within the city and the state. She taught English language classes at the local Maquilas upon her return from Europe and relished in sharing her love of the written world by reading to elementary school students. Her literary works, The Playroom and The Charm Stories, are available at the local Nogales library; she also donated numerous bilingual copies of The Playroom to local schools. Over the years, Mary volunteered with the Pimeria Alta Historical Society Museum, The Women's Club, Hilltop Gallery, fundraised for the 1904 courthouse, and was very active in local politics, with a passion for voter registration. She took great pride in restoring her historical home with her eldest daughter which people fondly remember as the charming Dos Marias, the first bed and breakfast in Nogales.

A Celebration of her Life will occur on October 9th 2021. In lieu of sending flowers, please honor Mary's memory by making an investment to Mrs.Darling's Literacy Fund whose primary goal is to ensure every Nogales child reads with comprehension before 6th grade. For more information on how to donate or be involved, please email ReadWithMrsDarling@gmail.com.

May she rest well.